Epilepsy Behav. 2025 Apr 26;169:110429. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110429. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Clinicians, researchers, and families consistently agree on the importance of transition clinics for adolescents with epilepsy. In order to ensure that all adolescents have a successful transition, it is important to consider and address the unique needs of each adolescent. The literature suggests that adolescents with varying cognitive abilities may have different needs when preparing for transition. In order to explore this further, this study aimed to better understand the unique psychosocial needs of adolescents with typical cognitive development, mild intellectual disability (MID), and of caregivers of adolescents with moderate-to-severe ID.
METHODS: Baseline mental health, QoL, and transition readiness data from 231 transition-aged adolescents (aged 14 to 18) enrolled in an epilepsy transition clinic were analyzed for this study. For analyses, adolescents were separated by cognitive ability.
RESULTS: Results showed that adolescents with differing cognitive abilities had different needs. Adolescents with typical cognitive development did not have all the skills needed for a successful transition, suggesting the need for more epilepsy education. Adolescents with MID had significantly fewer transition skills, suggesting the need for more accessible epilepsy information and education. Mental health comorbidities were significant considerations for both of these groups. When looking at caregivers of adolescents with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment, results suggest that although they have necessary transition skills, they require supports in other areas.
SIGNIFICANCE: In order to ensure best outcomes for these adolescents, it may be important to develop separate transition guidelines and programs for adolescents with differing cognitive abilities; helping to ensure that the needs of all adolescents are addressed.
PMID:40288062 | DOI:10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110429
